Tim Bonner: Why is the RSPB throwing stones at shooting?

The illegal killing of birds of prey remains a scar on the reputation of shooting and there is no more emotive issue that can be used against it. The RSPB yesterday issued its annual 'birdcrime' report for 2019 which suggests an essentially static level of illegal killing of raptors with 85 confirmed incidents across the UK down from 87 in 2018. Within those figures there are, however, important variations. In particular, the number of raptor crimes in England has dropped significantly whilst in Scotland cases have risen.

In a couple of decades of conversations with keepers and shoot owners I believe there has been a fundamental change in attitudes towards birds of prey and a growing resolution that Victorian attitudes towards protected wildlife have no place in the 21st Century. I am also realistic, however, that there are still some who have not got that message or who feel, for whatever reason, conflicted about the impact of raptors on their jobs and their way of life. To stamp out the last elements of illegal raptor killing there must, of course, be enforcement of the legislation and education, but we must also seek to remove the causes of persecution where that is possible.

One possible explanation for the different outcomes in Scotland and England is that there has been more focus south of the border on trying to remove the conflicts that cause persecution. In particular the discussion, and subsequent implementation, of the hen harrier brood management scheme which removes the possibility of multiple nests in a relatively small area of moorland, and the issuing of licences for buzzard control have sent a signal that there are alternatives which make illegal killing even more unacceptable. These options are not on the table in Scotland and whilst it would be perfectly valid to argue that they have been little used in England, the fact that such options are even distantly available does change the mood music around the raptor issue.

Meanwhile, it remains disappointing that the RSPB continues to prefer to stand on the outside throwing stones rather than to work with the government and rural organisations to resolve the problems we jointly face. By withdrawing from the Hen Harrier action plan and actively undermining the Southern re-introduction project, the RSPB is increasingly giving the impression that it has become embroiled in a political campaign against grouse shooting, an impression which was reinforced by coverage of yesterday's birdcrime report. The RSPB's policy seems to be that it will not engage with any activity to drive down raptor crime, other than enforcement, until there is no raptor crime. It does not take a genius to work out that is not a practical or progressive position.